I am new to this forum. 4 years ago on the 20th March I wa diagnosed with breast cancer. I had a 7cm tumor in my left breast and because it was too close to the margins I had to have a left breast mastectomy and 15 nodes removed. I was advised not to have a reconstruction for at least a year. I have now decided to have it done as I am over wearing a prosthesis. I have waited 4 months to get a referral to a good surgeon. All of a sudden it has bought up a lot of scary feelings. It is the fear of the unknown .my specialist indicated they would probably have to take tissue from my stomach . If any one can enlighten me on there journey positive or negative I would be greatful.Di

@Di Hey!! have you joined the Breast Reconstruction Group?? its a private group but has alot of photo stories of all sorts of reconstruction. Im currently 4.5 weeks recovering from a left mastectomy and Diep Flap reconstruction, yes they use your tummy. It was a big operation 7hrs but would be less if youve had the mastectomy already. Its really amazing, I was scared to do it but honestly looking now already the result will be incredible. Im happy to answer anything :) so if you have joined that group I think you'll find it helpful Hugs Melinda xo

Thank you Melinda. I will try and join up to the group . You have our my mind at ease. I think this week since I have received a call for the appointment it has bought up a lot of emotions again about my self and body, because I have been comfortable with my regular specialists looking at my body. I will definitely join the group. Thank you so much . Will definitely ask any questions .Di

Hi Mel it's me again . I went into the Breconda main site . Do I have to be invited to get onto the closed group?

Reconstruction | BCNA Online Network

19 Replies

Di
Member
9 years ago
@"Tracey B" Thanks for sharing. I guess once I see the surgeon next week I will have a better idea. It is so refreshing to speak to all you ladies that have been or are in the process now. I will definitely be looking to this forum for support and feed back. Di x
Anonymous
9 years ago
Hi Di, I think that girls have it mainly covered. I had a DIEP flap reconstruction April last year, and I have to say glad that I made this decision. It slows you down for a couple of months, but it's worth it I believe. Do a bit of research before you make any decisions, as you need to do what is right for you.
Next week I have an appointment with my plastic surgeon for liposuction tidy around my wounds and anew nipple ..... that's the next step.
Cheers, Trace xx
Di
Member
9 years ago
@melclarity Thanks Mel. Saw your pics they look amazing. Because I am big busted I wondered about that. My prosthesis is six 11 but will be sooooo pleased not to have to wear it. At home I just go lopsided but will be nice not to bother for work. Looking forward to watching your posts about your journey. Nikid's journey is great too. Just what I need this forum. You guys are amazing . Xx
melclarity
Member
9 years ago
@Di I just wanted to add as Paula has said. I had a left breast mastectomy/Diep Flap reconstruction, my Plastic Surgeon said he does not touch the other breast at the time, as it needs at least 6 months to settle. He then books you back in for a revision, in which he will lift my right breast and do a little reduction to match my left and then add the nipple as well. So it really is amazing what they do, so right now at 4.5 weeks im lopsided LOL but not in clothes and they both sit perfect in my bra. Im really happy with him and cant wait for the revision to be finished. I'll be posting pics as I go to see the change and then the final result. :) Melinda xo
mum2jj
Member
9 years ago

Di said:

@mum2jj thank you for your feedback it helps to reassure me it will all work out. I just want to ask while at the moment I wear a prosthesis which is weighted and measured similar to my right breast . So when they do the reconstruction the sizes will be different until they can lift my own right breast. It sounds silly but do you just look imbalanced for a while??

Hi again, I actually had a bilateral so that wasn't as much an issue for me. It actually depends on the size and shape of your remaining breast. Some can be matched really well at time of reconstruction whilst others do have a second surgery to match the remaining breast, whether that be a lift, or a lift and reduction. It is certainly not unusual to have a couple of small revision surgeries. Definitely a great question for the Plastic surgeon. Have a look through the photo stories in the announcement at the top of the choosing breast reconstruction page. You will see various stages of different ladies during there reconstructions. Just be aware some pics may be a bit confronting to look at.
Paula xx
Di
Member
9 years ago
@mum2jj thank you for your feedback it helps to reassure me it will all work out. I just want to ask while at the moment I wear a prosthesis which is weighted and measured similar to my right breast . So when they do the reconstruction the sizes will be different until they can lift my own right breast. It sounds silly but do you just look imbalanced for a while??
mum2jj
Member
9 years ago
This is an awesome network @melclarity @"Soldier Crab" @primek thanks jfor pointing Di in the right direction.
Di I have just joined you up. We have lots of members who have had successful delayed reconstructions (myself included.)
Your feelings are completely normal after not having to worry about surgery etc for 4 years.
I have had the surgery you are thinking of having and whilst it is a huge operation it is not an uncommon one and many (almost all)ladies have successful surgeries. The first few weeks are tough but if you can get yourself nice and fit preop you will bounce back well. I am 3 1/2 years post reconstruction and my surgery was 2 1/2 years post mastectomy.
hugs to you.
Paula xx
melclarity
Member
9 years ago
Di anytime, theres nothing too small or anything you cannot say or ask here... an amazing bunch of ladies, really caring and supportive. :) just know youre not alone and where we can help, we surely will :) Melinda xo
Di
Member
9 years ago
@melclarity thank you for your support it means a lot.
melclarity
Member
9 years ago
Thanks Kath and Alice, I wasnt sure how to get the link up. Di there are lots of us here to help support, so please keep talking it is overwhelming and its very normal for it to be. xo